Page 152 of Claimed By the Maharaja
The heavy doors stood partially open, mountain air drifting inside.
Rani Suchitra stopped near the steps.
And waited.
Yamini frowned slightly in confusion.
The distant hum of an approaching helicopter cut her off.
As the helicopter landed, Yamini wondered who it could be.
When the helicopter door opened, a woman stepped out.
Yamini’s breath caught.
“Ma?”
She hurried forward, heart swelling with shock and excitement.
She had seen her mother recently when Bharat had accompanied her to her family home weeks after the wedding. But seeing her mother at Jogra Palace was entirely different. Her mother embraced her warmly before looking at her with tears glistening in her eyes.
“You look happy, my child,” she said, pride and relief on her voice.
Yamini smiled brightly. “I am happy, ma. And so excited that you came.”
Her mother smiled. “I was invited,” she said. “Papa and Arjun will attend the formal gathering this evening.”
Before Yamini could ask who had invited her mother, Rani Suchitra approached.
Yamini held her breath as Rani Suchitra stopped before Yamini’s mother.
Her expression was regal, but not cold.
“It has been too long, Maheeta,” Rani Suchitra said softly.
Yamini’s mother inclined her head respectfully. “Far too long. Suchitra,”
“I am pleased you accepted the invitation to come here,” Rani Suchitra continued.
“I would not have missed this,” her mother replied.
Their hands clasped.
Yamini felt her throat tighten. She had always regretted being the cause of destroying her mother’s friendship with Rani Suchitra.
But now, as she watched Rani Suchitra and her mother converse as though five years had been a long interruption rather than a permanent fracture in their friendship, she felt something loosen inside her chest.
The relief lasted only a moment.
What would happen if Rani Suchitra or her mother found out that her marriage was just a three-year contract?
What would happen when she left again after three years?
CHAPTER 35
By evening, Jogra Palace looked completely transformed.
Lanterns glowed along the stone pathways while rows of brass torches illuminated the courtyard. The mountain air carried the scent of saffron and fresh flowers. Musicians played softly near the entrance, their music blending with the steady hum of conversation from arriving guests.
